Can You Give Your Dog Human Probiotics?

On: 24 October 2022 

Gut Health Is A Key Player In Targeting Behavioural & Physical Conditions In Your Dog

Gut health has been a topic of conversation for a while now, and probiotics are likely to remain popular due to their health benefits. But probiotics for dogs? This might be a new topic for you that deserves some thought, especially if your poor pooch is experiencing some digestional issues. 

Here we’ll go through some common questions that dog owners may have when considering dog probiotics, such as ‘can dogs have human probiotics?’ and ‘are there probiotics for puppies?’ We’ll also go through some common signs that your dog needs probiotics and how they will benefit your beloved pet.

Put simply, probiotics are living bacteria supplements; when consumed, they support all the good bacteria that live in the gut. For humans and animals, gut health doesn’t just aid in the digestion of food, but it’s also a key player in overall health and well-being. When the gut is happy and balanced, the rest of the body benefits.

Read on to learn all about how to keep your dog’s microbiome in tip-top condition.

 

What are the Benefits of Giving Your Dog Probiotics?

Dogs can benefit greatly from appropriate amounts of probiotics. Humans often already have some probiotic-rich foods in their diets, such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha drinks, and miso. These help to support the microbiome’s balance and restore it when it’s a little off. A dog’s diet doesn’t typically feature as many probiotic-rich foods, which is why some owners are leaning on dog probiotics to help support their fur baby’s health. . Here are some benefits of giving your dog probiotics:

  • Dog probiotics can alleviate digestive problems and minimise upset tummies
  • Dog probiotics can counteract the bad effects of antibiotics
  • A healthy gut can reduce skin allergy symptoms
  • Probiotics for dogs can help strengthen their immunity
  • Healthy gut bacteria can help as a mood booster

With the gut being the largest endocrine organ in the body, it’s important to keep it operating at its finest, especially after bouts of sickness or courses of antibiotics. 

 

Are Human Probiotics Safe For Dogs? 

It’s important to keep in mind that human probiotics have not been tested on dogs, and some CFUs (Colony Forming Units) and strains could upset a canine gut. So, while some human probiotics might be safe for dogs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give your doggo species-specific probiotics which have been specifically developed for their body's unique needs. This is when you’ll notice the most benefits whilst reducing the chance of a tummy upset. 

 

Why Should You Not Give Your Dog Human Probiotics?

Human probiotics could further upset gastrointestinal disturbances by flooding their microbiome with ‘too much of a good thing.’ The wrong levels of a specific strain could cause further imbalances, which is why it’s not recommended to give your dog human probiotics.

 

Are Dog Probiotics the Same as Human Probiotics?

While almost all species require a little help in the form of probiotics to promote healthy gut functions, each group has particular needs based on the bacteria already present. The bacteria in your dog’s system differs from yours. So, it’s a better option to give your dog pooch-specific probiotics.

 

How To Know If Your Dog Needs Probiotics?

At this point, you might be wondering, “does my dog need probiotics?”. If your fur baby has just finished a course of antibiotics or has just been through a period of stress or illness, a little bit of support in the form of probiotics could go a long way.

Much like for humans, times of stress, malnutrition, or sickness can throw your dog's gut bacteria balance out of whack. This can manifest in a number of ways. Some signs of an upset tummy can include excess liquid bowel movements, constipation, or more flatulence than usual. Other signs of a gut imbalance could include increased scratching from a skin allergy or back-to-back infections such as ear or eye infections. One of the most common indications that your dog’s gut health is in trouble is excess fur shedding. As is often the case with humans, a distressed digestive system will shows up in the most unsuspecting ways.

 

What are the Best Probiotics for Dogs?

At the end of the day, probiotics promote a balanced,
healthy system and overall good health. As a supplement, probiotics support the super important “good” bacteria that live in your pup’s gut. Probiotics for dogs are safe and a far better option than sharing your probiotics with them, as human probiotics have not been properly tested on dogs.

So, when looking for the perfect probiotic for dogs, look for a doggy-approved, high-quality supplement rich in live organisms to benefit your dog’s digestive system. Be sure that they meet veterinary standards and come from a trusted brand. 

Browse our range of probiotics and supplements. Your dog will thank you!

 

Check out our range of helpful information for taking care of your dog.